Victoria to boost tech innovation and foreign trade

Tuesday, 13 February, 2018

The Victorian Government will be showcasing the state’s cyber security, defence and digital technology capabilities in Europe this week.

The government is looking to encourage more foreign companies to invest in the state, and Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis will meet with representatives from Europe’s defence, tech and infrastructure sectors to explore trade and investment opportunities.

“By connecting Victoria’s industries with leading innovators in Europe, we’re helping boost exports, strengthen the local economy and create jobs,” said Dalidakis.

“Victoria offers foreign companies a gateway into Asia and more and more international companies are developing a presence in our great state.”

The minister will engage with key stakeholders, decision-makers and government representatives in the UK before travelling to the heart of the French defence industry — the Centre-Loire Valley — to discuss R&D activities and opportunities for collaboration with Victoria.

Dalidakis will use this opportunity to encourage the UK Government to choose the Bushmaster, a military vehicle manufactured by Thales in Bendigo, as the next addition to its defence force.

The government is hoping to lure some of the world’s most innovative defence companies to Fishermans Bend. The 32 ha site, located 5 km outside of Melbourne’s CBD, will eventually support thousands of jobs.

Fishermans Bend is the centrepiece of Victoria’s joint bid with BAE Systems to manufacture the next generation of the Australian Defence Force’s Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles. If successful in the bid, BAE Systems will develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the ex-General Motors Holden site.

As part of the trade mission to the UK, Dalidakis will also meet with Octopus Investments and congratulate the company on its investment in Melbourne.

Octopus Investments is a venture capital and private equity firm specialising in early-stage growth and buyouts in the renewable energy sector. The firm recently opened an office in Melbourne.

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